Humidifying apparatus



I June 3, 1930. G, D DOHERTY 1,760,976

HUMIDIFYING APPARATUS Filed June 20, 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet l 050965 Z2 Pof/QTY MWA/4" v v v I a VM Q/WWWW/ iii/Kif Y June 3, 1930. v Q D, DOHERTY l 1,760,976

' HUMIDIFYING APPARATUS l Filed June 20. 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented .lune 3i, i3@

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`GvrEO-Rfzrll] D. DOHERTY, OF MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, ASSIGNOR '1.0 DOHERT-Y-BREHM COMPANY, 0F MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE EUMIIFYING APPARATUS Application med Julie 2o,

This invention relates to humidifying apparatus and has special reference to an apparatus for moistening and heating the atmosphere in a room orother enclosure to maintain a desired degree of relative humidity 'and temperature therein.

More p articularly,'this invention `has ref erence to an apparatus comprising sections for circulating a heating medium which -sections are so constructed and arranged las to accommodate a humidifying medium in close thermal relation with the heating medium for evaporation into the atmosphere in a room or other enclosure toy maintain a desired degree of relative humidity andl temperature therein.

Heretofore, in order t0 pervent an undesirable and unhygienic aridity in a house or other building, a supply ,of vapor has been introduced into the air by means of spraying the water or other liquid on a heating section with which latter the air is -caused to contact; by forcing air, which has previously been heated, through a meanswhich latter has been saturated with water or other hu"- midifying medium; or by various other contrivances which require a comparatively great amount of attention in their successful operation. ,y

The present invention provides an ecient means for eliminating the abovementioned inconvenience, for example, a motor or blower is not required for the operation of the apparatus nor is any movable element that needs special attention and periodic inspection connected therewith. The heating sections of my present invention are supplied with a heating medium such as steam or hot water in the ordinary manner as supplied to radiators of the present-day construction. However, the heating sections of this invention are provided with troughs for containing a supply of water or other humidifying medium in 0rder that an eticient thermal conductivity be maintained between the heating medium and the humidifying medium. These sections which provide for both heating and humidifying are so designed and, if separatedintp component parts, are so assembled in rela tion to one another that the heated air and this specication to which 'reference may 10o 1927. Serial No. 199,904.

room which latter is likewise humiditied by t the vapors of the humidifyingcontent yand thus a complete cycle of operation is obtained through the apparatus by reason of the latter air losing its humidity and returning to become rehumidified.

One' of the objects of this invention is to provide an apparatus of the character indicated for moistening and heating the air in a room or other enclosure whereby the humidifying content has a direct thermal contact with the entire heating supply to maintain a desired degree of relativehumidity.

Another object of this invention is to prvide an apparatus as indicated above in which the container for the humidiying medium is formed integrally with the heating section.

A further object of this invention is to provide an apparatus as above noted in which the surface of the humidifying agent is fully exposed to the circulation of the air.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an apparatus of the type mentioned above in which the air has a rapid circulation and lunrestricted path therethrough tov receive the vapors from the humidiying medium and heat from the heating medium.

It is also the object of this invention to provide an apparatus of the type hereinbefore recited in which an improved and eilicient radiation is provided for the evaporatheating sections embodied in the apparatus;

Fig. 5 is a central sectional View taken on the line 5 5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 4;v l

Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 7 7 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 8 is a top plan view of another of the heating sections embodied in this invention; and

Fig. 9 is a vertical sectional View taken on the line 9 9 of Fig. 8.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to Figs. 1 and 2 thereof, one form of humidifier, as embodied in this invention, is shown therein and comprises a group of superposed horizontallyextending heating sections 10 and 11. The ends of each adjacent heating section are connected together by means of nipples 12 thereby providing a continuous passageway therethrough. rl`he headers thus formed b these continuous passageways are connecte to the heating system, the lower end of one being connected to an inlet conduit 13 and the lower end of the other being connected to an outlet conduit 14.

The lowermost heating section is provided with feet 15 or other suitable extensions, upon which the entire structure rests. These superposed heating sections may be enclosed by means of an open cabinet 16, although this is optional with the purchaser, and not particularly essential. In one form of suitable cabinet the lower end of the front of the cabinet is provided with an opening 17'to admit the arid and unheated air into contact with tha-heating sections, whereafter the air passes upwardly as it becomes heated and' humidified 'to pass out through the grille 18 at the upper end of the cabinet. In order to facilitate the flow of the heated and humidified air toward the grille 18, a curved baflie plate 19 may extend across the upper rear corner of the cabinet.v It will be readily apparent that were-.this cabinet omitted, the path of the air in the room or other enclosure would have a similar circulation, the dry and unheated air being drawn toward the vsections as the humidiied-and heated air is diffused therefrom. However. the cabinet is, at most times desirable because of the therethrough.

striking appearance to be obtained from an ornamental device of this character.,

A drip pan 2O is provided at the bottom of the heat-ing sections to receive any condensate or overflow from the heating sections. The drip pan must necessarily be of a width and length to extend beyond the outermost edges of the heating section and in the drawings, the extensions or feet 15 resting in the bottom of the drip pan in order to conserve space, although'it may be desirable to have these feet rest on theoutside thereof.

By referring now to the detailed structure of the heating sections as illustrated in Figs. 4 to 9, inclusive, the heating section 10 comprises a casting having a passageway 21 extending therethrough in communication withl the aforementioned continuous passageway afforded by means of the nipples 12 interconnecting adjacent heating sections. The heating medium, such as hot water, steam or vapor, is circulated from the inlet header through the passageway 21 to the outlet header. The upper portion of the 4casting is provided with a recessed portion or trough 22 `extending substantiall the entire length of the heating sect-ion. l humidifying medium, such as water, is provided in the recessed portion 22 to be heated and vaporized by the heating medium circulated through the passageway 21 of theheating section. A pluralityl of fins 23 may, if desired, be provided on the outer surfaces of the heating section 10 to provide for a greater amount of radiating surface.

The heating section 11, as illustrated in Figs. `8 and 9, comprises a casting of a coil shape having a passageway 24 extending The cross-section of each of the two horizontally extending portions of the coil may be the same as the cross-section of the single heating section 10, the two portions being spaced a substantial distance apart. However, as provided in most heating sections of comparatively great lengths, the passageways of the two portions may be connected at a central point as indicated at A to provide for a more efficient circulation of the heating medium. The passageway 24 is in communication with the inlet and outlet headers provided by the nipples 12 interconnecting the adjacent coil sections. The upper surface of the coil is recessed as at 25 to contain 'the humidifying medium, the recessed portion extending so as to permit the humidifying medium to pass over substantially the entire upper surface of the coil. The radiating surface of the coil shaped heating section may be increased by the fins *23a provided on the outer surfaces thereof.

The bottoni surface of the coil section 10 is slightly curved and tapers from the outer edges toward a central point thereof. This construction facilitates the flow of the air as it is being heated and humidified. The same sirable'to provide heating sections consisting of three or four units and it is to be understood that this inventionis not to be limited to the particular forms shown in thedrawingsfflt is apparent that by staggering the units," system of baming is obtained whereby a maximum of eciency is obtained in transferring heat and humidity to the atmosphere. 'In the construction shown in the drawings,

'the air passes through the opening between the= twohorizontally extending portions of the doublefor coil-shaped heating section to contat;` "with the lower surface of the single heatiin'gsection, and thence around that section yto',"c`cntact with the double unit next above where it is forced between and around the horizontally extending portion as first described. f

In order that a common means of supply may be utilized to furnish the humidifying medium to the entire structure, an overflow pipe 26 is provided on the coil section 10 in communication with the recessed portion 22 for permitting the humidifying medium Contained therein to be fed to the recessed portion 25 of the heating section 11 next below., Similarly, an overflow pipe 27 is provided in the heating section 11 to permit ofthe overiiow from that section into the heating section 10-next below. The overflow pipe on the lowermost heating section permits its overflow to be fed to the drip pan 20 which latter is con ected to thel sewer by conduit 20a. A lip 8 is provided on the upper end of the overdow pipe 26 of the heating section 10, in order to retain a supply of the hu'- midifying medium in the recess 22, and a similar lip 29 Iis provided on the upper end of the overflow pipe 27 in order to retain a supply of the humidifying medium in the recessed ortion 25 of the heating section 11.

It is pre erable to arrange the overiiow pipes 26 and 27 at opposite ends of their respective heating sections so that an even distribution of the humidifying medium may be obtained.

As a means for supplying the humidifying medium to the coil sections, a source of supply may be contained in a small tank in the upper portion of the cabinet and is permitted to flow therefrom to a receptacle 30 in communication with the recessed portion of the uppermost heating section. rlhe supply to the trough 30 is controlled by a valve 31 which, it will be apparent, may be controlled manually lor mechanically. ltv may be desirable at times to t-urn o' automatically the supply of the humidifying medium to the heating sections when the steam, hot water or other heating medium` is shut ed from the heating sections. However, for the purpose of this application, it is deemed only neces-v sary to statethat the valve 3 1 controls the supply of water or other humidifying medium contained in a tank to the heating sections. lt is also probable that the valve 31 may be connected to a conduit'in direct communication with the ydomestic water supply..l I

The control of the evaporation may be obtained through either the valve 31 or a valve 32 connected in the inlet supply conduit 13. With reference to the last mentioned control, by regulating the opening through the valve l32, more or less heat is permitted to iiow to the heating sections and, for example, if more heat is demanded, the air passing over the heating sections is heated to a coml paratively great degree and it has more capacity for containing the vapor emitted from the heating sections than ifit were heated to a lesser degree. On theother hand, should a comparatively smallsupply of water or other humidifying medium be permitted to pass vfrom the valve 31, it will be app'arent that a lesser amount of.vapor could'be obtained by the atmosphere in passing over the heating section. l

It will be noted, particularly, that because of the recessed portions 22 and 25 being extended over the upper surfaces of the heating sections, the entire surface of the humidifying medium is exposed to the circulation of the air and that this humidifying medium is in a substantially direct thermal contact with the entire content of the heating` medium; the heat from the heating medium being con ducted through the metal and the latter being in cor-tactwith the humidifying medium. It will also be noted that because of the lack of mechanical contrivances, such as are usually employed in humidiiiers, there will be alack of the noises accompanying the same, which is a very desirable condition.

' By referring now to Fig. 3 of the drawing, a modified form of the present invention vis shown which is used particularly when steam isl employed as the heating medium. In this construction, the arid vand nnheated air is first heated to increase its capacity for carrying moisture, Whereafter moisture is introduced to the air-to be finally superheated before passingjnto the room or other enclo- ALikewise several of the uppermost heating sections are dry sections. The intermediate heating sections are provided with recessed portions for containing the humidifying agent as in the preceding forni of thisinvention. The arid and unheated air passes over the dry sections to be heated, from thence to the Wet sections where vapor is introduced into the air, and finally over the dry sections at the top Where the humidied air is superheated before passing into the room.' This construction will avoid free hot vapor from entering the room which, if sufficiently .hot and saturated, will fog the room and may have a scalding effect. The supply of Water or other humidifying means in this instance Will be led to the uppermost of the wet sections whereafter the overflow therefrom will pass downwardly into the succeeding wet heating sections and finally to the drip pan which latter is connected to the sewer. The remaining elements .of this structure are similar with the structure as hereinbefore described.

While several embodiments of this inyen tion are herein shown and described, it is to be understood that the same is not to be limited to these specific structures since various modifications may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention, and it is therefore desired that the same be limited only by the showing of the prior art and the scope of the appended claims.

ll claim:

1. A device of the character described comprising a plurality of spaced and superposed heating sections connected to one another for circulating a heating .medium therethrough, sections having a smaller number of heatingunits being alternately disposed with sections having a greater number of'heating units and the heating units of said superposed sections being staggered relatively to one another for circulating air around said heating units, and means on each heating unit ciontaining a humidifying medium for imparting humidity to the heated air. f

'2. A device of the character described comprising a plurality of superposed heating sections that alternately comprise a smaller and a great-er number of heating units for circulating a heating medium therethrough, and an open trough on each of said units for containing a humidifying medium, said heating sections being spaced from one another and the units of adjacent sections being disposed in staggered relation with respect to one another to direct the air along a tortuous path through said superposed sections whereby said air may receive an eiiicient transmission of heat and humidity thereto.

3. In a device of the character described, a plurality of superposed heating sections alternately having a smaller and a greater number of passageways therethrough for circulating a heating medium, said heating sections having a greater number of passageways being provided with open spacesv therebetween, a casing open to the atmosphere for ways in the said heating sections having the greater number of passageways, certain of the intermediately disposed sections having recesses on their upper surfaces for containing a humidifying medium whereby the air is preheated before moisture is introduced thereinto and superheated thereafter.

4. A combined air humidifier and heat radiator comprising a plurality of spaced superposed heating sections connected to one another to allow a heating medium to flow therethrough, alternate sections having a greater number of heating ,units than the intermediate sections and said alternate sections atleast having open s aces between the heating units thereof, sai units of the superposed adjacent sections bei-ng arranged in staggered relation to one another to provide a tortuous passageway for the natural circulation of the air through and around said heating sections, and open troughs formed onthe upper facesof some of said units for holding a humidifying medium that is imparted to the heated air as it circulatesand through said spaced heating sections.

5. A combined air humidifier and heat radiator comprising a plurality of spaced superposed heating sections connected to one another to allow a heating medium to flow therethrough, alternate sections having spaced heating unitswith an open space therebetween, the heating units of the superposed sections being arranged in staggere relation to one another in order to proa/ide a tortuous passageway for the circulation of the air around said heating units and through the said open spaces formed in the alternate heating sections, open troughs formed on the upper faces of some of said heating units for holding a humidifying mediumthat may be imparted to the heated air as it circulates, overiow means from the troughs, means for maintaining a minimum level of humidify-l ing medium in each of said troughs, and means for supplying a humidifying medium to the troughs.

6. ln a device of the character described, a plurality of superposed heating sections having passageways therethrough for circulating a heating medium, a casing open to the atmosphere for housing said sections, and means on a plurality of intermediately disposed heating sections only for containing ya humidifying medium whereby air is preheated before moisture is introduced thereinto and isisuperheated thereafter.

7 In a device of the character described, a circuitous hollow casting comprising spaced lil) hollow chambers with an open space between adjacent chambers which are connected together at their ends, said chambers allowing for circulating a heating medium, said casting having a continuous exposed vrecessed portion extending over the entire upper `surface thereof for containing a humidifying medium. l

8. In a device Vof the'character described, a plurality of sulperposed spaced heating secy comprising., .a smaller and a greater number of units' for circulating a heating medium, said units of alternate sections being spaced `from one another and be'- ing disposed in staggered relation to the units of the adjacent sections, means on each'unlt for containing a humidifying medium, said units having the lower portions thereof substantially V-shaped for directing the 'flow of air upwardly in contact with the units ofthe d adjacent sections.

9. In a device of the character described, a plurality of superposed and spaced heating sections comprising horizontally extending hollow units connected together for circulating a heating medium through said units, sections having a greater number of` units alternating with sections havin a lesser number of units and said units o adjacent sections bein staggered with respect to each other, sai sections having exposed recessed portions thereon for containing a humidity- -medium.

10. In a device of the character described, a plurality of superposed spaced heating sections comprising horizontally extending hollow units connected together for circulating a heating medium, a casing open to the at-A mosphere for housing said sections, alternate sections having a greater number of umts than the intermediate sections, said sections having exposed recessed portions thereon f or containing a humidifying medium, the umts of each alternate section being arrangedin staggered vejrtical relation to the units of the intermediateI sections whereby air 1s passed upwardly through the superposed sectlons 1n a tortuous path thereby receiving an eiliclent transmission o heat and humidity thereto.

11. In a de 'ce of the character described, a plurality of superposed spaced hollow heat-` ing sections 4alternate ones of which containa diierent number of heating units than the.

intermediate ones and said sections being so arrangedgthat said units thereof are disposed in a staggered verticalfrelation to each other,

said units providing vmeans :for circulating a heating medium therein and each section having a recessed portion on the uppersurface for containing a humidifying medium, an overflow conduit formed integrally with each of said sections'in communication with said recessed portion to permit the humidify; ing medium to overflow from the' higher -to the lower of said recessed portions of the castings, and a lip adjacent the edge of each of said overflow conduits to retain a supply of said humidifyingmedium in each of saidzontally extending hollow members connected together at their ends and having 'an open space between. adjacent hollow members to form a passageway, said casting hav-l ing an exposed recessed portion for containing a humidiying medium. i

13. In a device of the character described, a hollow casting for circulatinga heating medium comprising a plurality of spaced horizontally extending hollow members connected together at their ends and having an. open spacebetween'adjacent members to form a passageway, each of said members having an exposed recessed portion thereon for containing a humidiying medium and said recessed portions'being intercommunicating.

14. In a device of the character described, a hollow casting for circulating a heating medium comprising a plurality of spaced horizontally extending hollow members connected together at their ends and having an open space betweenV adjacent members to form aI passageway, each of said membersv 15. A combined air humidifier and heat rai diator comprising a plurality of spaced heatlng sections some of which have a lar er num'- ber of heating vunits than others an the sec-- tions having a larger number of heating units being alternated with the other sections toA form the assembled structure, the units of those sections possessing the larger number of heatlng units being spaced from one another to provide open spaces therebetween and said heating sections possessinga larger -numbert of heating units being so positioned with respect to said other heating sections that said units thereof are in staggered relation to one another to provide a tortuous passageway for the circulation of the air through the radiator, open throughs formed on the upper faces of said heating units for holding a humidifying medium that is imparted to the heated air as it circulates around said heating sections, overflow means for said troughs,

means for maintaining a minimum level of humidifying medium in each trough, and means for supplying a humidifying medium to the troughs. a

16. A combined air humidifier and heat radiator comprising a plurality of spaced and superposed heating sections connected to one another for circulating a heating medium therethrough, alternate sections at least having a plurality of heating units that are spaced from: one Vanother to provide open spaces therebetween and the heating units of said superposed sections being staggered relatively to one another to provide a tortuous passage for the natural circulation of the air through and around said heating sectionsi and open troughs formed on the upper portions o said sections for holding a humidifying medium that is imparted to the heated air as it circulates around and through said heating sections. 1

In Witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name.

GEORGE l). DHERTY. 

